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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Fritz, Thomas Michael

Age 63

FRITZ, Thomas Michael 1951 - 2015 Thomas Michael Fritz passed away Monday July 13, 2015 doing one of his favorite things…fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Tom was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on October 3, 1951 to Francis “Boots” and Irene Staub Fritz.

He was the second child in his family, following his older sister Francine, wife of Dr. James Reisinger of Dowagiac, Michigan and preceding Sharon, wife of John Henning of Macungie, Pennsylvania.

He interrupted his college years to join the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country, including a tour in Vietnam.

He was honorably discharged in 1976 and continued his university and graduate studies at California State College earning a B.A.

in Psychology in 1978 and an M.A.

in Counseling in 1980.

In 1991 he completed an M.A.

in Public Administration at Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon.

In 1986 Tom was blessed by the birth of his son Alexander Fritz, a continual source of great pride.

Alex and Tom spent countless hours doing things together, bringing each other joy and laughter.

Tom married Anne Sherwood Fritz on September 13, 2003.

Together they enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and family, golfing, running and many other activities that benefitted the community.

In 2013 Tom and Anne welcomed Irene, Tom’s mother, into their home.

Family was very important to Tom and he felt fortunate to have his loved ones close to him.

Tom’s career can be characterized as one of service to others.

In the early days he provided direct patient care and quickly moved into leadership.

In the last 25 years he held executive positions in various healthcare organizations.

He retired after 16 years as CEO of Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS).

Throughout his career he was sought after and served on dozens of local, state and national boards and committees.

Tom was a visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit.

His values and passion for quality drove his decisions and actions.

He had a unique ability to network and bring the right people and resources together.

He enjoyed personal relationships with his employees and was their committed advocate.

A tight circle of friends surrounded Tom.

He treasured each of them and enjoyed sharing stories of their times together.

His unique laugh made everyone smile.

Tom embraced life; a life ended too soon.

We will miss him!

A Memorial service will be held Monday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church 330 E. Boone Ave. Spokane.

A reception will follow at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Thomas M. Fritz Fund in support of the WSU Medical School (c/o Nancy Fike).

Bell Tower Funeral Home of Post Falls, ID has been entrusted with arrangements.